Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. The Mode-S intercepts for this day have been sorted by time and then by ICAO24 code. All dates/times are UTC.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. The Mode-S intercepts for this day have been sorted by time and then by ICAO24 code. All dates/times are UTC.

"The crews' demeanor is that of excitement and pride as we return from our very successful six month deployment to reunite with our families in our beautiful homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii," said Cmdr. Bob Roncska, commanding officer USS Texas. "The new and advanced capabilities of Texas were showcased, and she met all milestones and exceeded all expectations while conducting missions vital to national security and numerous exercises with our allied partners. It is simply a surreal experience to be commanding officer of the most technically advanced submarine."

This was the first overseas deployment for more than a third of the crew. More than 20 Sailors and three junior officers completed submarine qualifications and are now authorized to wear the Submarine Warfare insignia or better known to submariners as "dolphins".

Texas conducted port visits in Guam; Yokosuka, Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Subic Bay, Philippines. The port visits to Japan and South Korea provided the opportunity for Texas to demonstrate some of the capabilities that a Virginia-Class submarine has to host country distinguished visitors, both civilian and military.

"The crew performed flawlessly, both underway and in-port," said Roncska. "Their abilities as undersea warriors were demonstrated time and again with outstanding results. Their conduct on liberty as ambassadors of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Submarine Force was impeccable."

Machinist Mate 2nd Class Jared Mankins describes his first deployment as something he will never forget.

"This deployment was a life changing event for me," said Mankins. "Specifically, I experienced foreign cultures and submarine operations you can only imagine about. This ship and crew are awesome!"

Commissioned Sept. 9, 2006, Texas was the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Lone Star State.The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

SOUTHEAST ASIA (AFNS) -- Four air expeditionary units that were the air and space components to U.S. Forces-Iraq inactivated during a flag-casing ceremony Dec. 18 here.

The 467th Air Expeditionary Group, 368th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq stood down following the conclusion of Operation New Dawn.

"For many of us here today we have spent most of our adult lives engaged in the battle to free first Kuwait and then Iraq," said Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, who presided over the ceremony. "Today is a day full of emotions, a day of reflection, and a day to remember -- it's also a day to remember all those who died in Iraq for our country, for Iraq, for this region . . . for their brothers and sisters in arms."

The ceremony was held hours after the last U.S. military convoy departed Iraq and crossed into Kuwait, punctuating the end of a nearly nine-year war. It also afforded senior leaders an opportunity to reflect over the many accomplishments and sacrifices of service members.

"Because of you, and those like you, a nation is free, full of people who can go to the polls, elect the leaders of their choosing, without risk of being persecuted or struck down by a brutal regime," said Maj. Gen. Russ Handy, the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq commander. "Through your sacrifices, you have provided immense opportunity (to the Iraqi people) with the potential (for them) to do great things."

During Operation New Dawn, the U.S. Air Force helped advance the Iraqi air force through mentoring, training and advising Iraqi airmen on everything from support functions to operations while they steadily modernized and rebuilt.

At the end of 2006, the Iraqi air force had only 748 airmen and 28 aircraft. Now, the force has more than 6,000 airmen and 72 aircraft in its inventory, including the T-6 and C-130E Hercules.

In September, through the Foreign Military Sales program, the government of Iraq made its first payment for 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft. The FMS program is the government-to-government method for selling U.S. defense equipment, services and training.

With this F-16 package, Iraq purchased logistical support as well as pilot and maintenance training. When the aircraft are delivered, sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have one of the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world in its inventory.

"We have enabled the Iraqis to prepare for their own future," Gen. Norman Schwartz, the Air Force Chief of Staff, said during his recent visit to Iraq. "We will certainly continue to have a relationship and will continue to work with them."

Quoting President John F. Kennedy, Handy spoke about the great responsibility those that have supported the Iraq mission have accepted.

"'In the long history of time, only a few generations have been called upon to defend freedom in its hour of maximum danger. We do not shrink from this responsibility, we welcome it -- this is our time -- the baton has been passed to us. The young men and women assembled here, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians represent the great treasure in our nation's arsenal.'"

"COMPTUEX was a challenging operating environment that tested us," said Captain Mark H. Scovill, the commodore of PHIBRON 8. "We are thankful for the enormous investment tax payers have given for our training. No other Navy has invested as much in its Sailors and its deployers than the U.S. Navy. There's no one out working harder than the 24 MEU PHIBRON 8 team so the results were completely predictable. This blue-green team is ready for CERTEX and any other challenge."

COMPTUEX was meant to test the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 aboard all three ships in conducting various missions they could face while deployed. The exercise focused on building cohesion between the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

"To conclude COMPTUEX with an amphibious assault is a great way to highlight the bond with PHIBRON 8 and the MEU," said Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer of 24th MEU. "COMPTUEX was to prove and test and challenge our 'mechanics' of ship to objective maneuver. COMPTUEX provided more than expected challenges. I walk away with great appreciation for the leadership of PHIBRON 8, the three great ships and appreciation for adaptable, flexible and combat power the ARG/MEU team can deliver from the sea on time and on target."

The Iwo Jima ARG executed more than 100 training evolutions to include air defense; counter targeting; live fire; low, slow flier exercises; and maritime security operations from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21. Including the Iwo Jima ARG, 16 Navy vessels set the stage for COMPTUEX's intense simulated deployed training environment, including four Canadian navy vessels, over the course of three weeks.

COMPTUEX is a requirement for certification for deployment, testing multiple abilities across the ships. The exercise is designed to train the ship, embarked air wing and other units that make up the ARG to function as one highly effective fighting force. Evaluators from Commander Strike Force Training Atlantic ensured the ARG's units were exercised in all warfare areas.

"During COMPTUEX, it is vitally important to challenge the training audience for deployment," said Rear Adm. Dennis E. FitzPatrick, commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, who was embarked aboard Iwo Jima for the exercise. "This exercise is designed to teach you the skill sets which you need to be successful and accomplish your mission on deployment. The ARG MEU team did very well and should be very proud. It was an integrated complex exercise."

The Iwo Jima ARG's upcoming schedule includes Certification Exercise (CERTEX) and Bold Alligator shortly after the New Year, with a scheduled deployment in Spring 2012.

Heavy waves crash against the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AOE 199) during a replenishment at sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is on its maiden deployment conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of the Navy's Maritime Strategy. Makin Island is the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship and the only U.S. Navy ship with a hybrid electric propulsion system. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released)

COMPTUEX is the second of three integration-based trainings between the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which consists of USS Iwo Jima, amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and Marines from 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"COMPTUEX scenarios are based on an evolving storyline that is meant to expose the training audience to as many threats as they may experience in the different areas of responsibility," said Capt. Richard Frey, operations officer of Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic. "We don't train [the readiness groups] just on where they're going to deploy, we train them to be world-wide deployable."

The common theme of "teamwork" between the Navy and Marine Corps was stressed throughout the three-week evolution.

"I feel the amphibious readiness group performed extremely well during COMPTUEX," said Capt. Thomas Chassee, commanding officer of Iwo Jima. "COMPTUEX presents an extremely complex series of missions and it takes a full Navy and Marine Corps coordinated effort in order to meet the mission. No single entity can do it by themselves.

"I believe Iwo Jima did integrate very well in both planning and execution of all assigned tasks and successfully did her part in the larger ARG effort in attaining Major Combat Operation certification requirements."

Iwo Jima operations department was able to capitalize on the exercise by blue and green air, surface and communication operations.

"The integration was there as soon as the Marines came aboard and operationally we performed well above standards," said Lt. Kyle Williams, assistant operations officer of Iwo Jima. "It helps when you have well-defined, motivated service members. It was one team, one fight from the beginning."

The teamwork spirit was also exhibited in the ship's air and deck departments, which resulted in safe and timely combat cargo movements of more than 700 personnel from ship to shore.

"The ship's force and combat cargo Marines had to execute a landing plan down to the minute and coordinated between air and surface, not only with our ship but with the other ships in the readiness group with precision," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Desiderio, Iwo Jima combat cargo officer. "Our blue-green group has the tools and training to execute and carry out any mission, so [COMPTUEX] went well and we hit all of our marks."

With COMPTUEX completed, the Iwo Jima ARG will move on to the next and final qualification phase, certification exercise, prior to deploying in Spring 2012.

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. The Mode-S intercepts for this day have been sorted by time and then by ICAO24 code. All dates/times are UTC.

COMPTUEX is a major requirement for the ARG pre-deployment certification that evaluates an ARG's ability to deploy and conduct major combat operations, with New York focusing heavily on maritime security and ensuring their team is prepared for anything.

"We take Sailors from the ship and train them to assist in maritime security operations," said New York Operations Officer Lt. Rebecca Domzalski, from Great Quarters, S.C. "Essentially we are taking those Sailors, placing them on a small dhow and other boats on the high seas. Once aboard, they check for smuggled weapons, illicit drugs and human trafficking in accordance with international laws and enforcing U.N. sanctions."

Both Navy Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Marine Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (EVBSS) teams carried out various training scenarios, with both compliant and non-compliant mariners.

"The difference between VBSS and EVBSS - EVBSS is more of a tactical mission. VBSS is used for vessels that are compliant and don't mind us coming on board to search," said Domzalski. "EVBSS is for those vessels that don't want to be boarded, for example, the piracy operations, where the pirates take the vessel and refuse to stop, so our forces that are more experienced tactically go aboard."

Although the primary mission of the VBSS team is searching for wrongdoers, while deployed, they are also tasked with the objective of building positive relationships and promoting peace.

"VBSS teams must be prepared for various situations. One mission specific to a certain region is the Approach and Assist Visit (AAV)," said Domzalski. "AAV is where they go to boats in the area and talk to people in the vicinity. They shake hands, see if there is any information. They try and build good relations."

New York and her crew are both new to the open seas and the deployment challenges that await them. COMPTUEX is a transition exercise designed to bring ships into real-life scenarios.

"Our VBSS team is made up of both experienced and inexperienced people, some who have never deployed before," said Domzalski. "The guys were given a lot of in-scenario missions because they need to get used to walking on to a vessel and seeing what it's going be like and talk to people in character and deal with language barriers."

The team progressed through different levels of training. From the bottom, where they experienced proper boarding techniques, to more advanced levels of training, where they dealt with a prize crew by assuming command of the vessel and driving it to the next port.

"We were tasked with two operations yesterday, counter piracy and escort ops," said Ensign Jeremy Wellens, VBSS team Boarding Officer. "The first was a counterpiracy mission, where a motor vessel was attacked by four small boats and in that situation, our mere presence was enough for the boats to stand down. The second we found illicit materials on board, and at that point, the boat was seized.

"The lesson my team and I learned was, there is no one way to do something," said Wellens. "In the situations we face, we have to trust our instincts."

The Iwo Jima ARG is currently underway for COMPTUEX with a scheduled deployment in spring 2012.

Detachment 6, also known as the Island Knights, embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) twice during its deployment totaling more than 100 days at sea. While on Essex, the crew flew more than 560 hours as the ship's primary search and rescue platform and flew seven medical evacuation flights saving seven lives.

HSC-25 Commanding Officer Cmdr. John Compton commended the detachment's efforts and welcomed them home just in time for the holiday season.

"They did a phenomenal job over the last six months," he said. "They were involved in probably one of the most phenomenal transfers of aircraft in such a short period of time that I've ever witnessed in my whole Navy career. They were doing the Navy's core mission of projection and power. I'm extremely proud of them."

The Island Knights also served as an anti-terrorism force protection asset during the critical phases of President Obama's trip to Indonesia. The maintenance department executed more than 4,000 separate maintenance actions on four different aircraft allowing the detachment to be fully mission-capable 100 percent of the time.

Lt. Cmdr. Mason Allen was one of the officers in charge during the detachment's deployment and praised his team for a job well done.

"Every day Sailors are out there in harm's way, standing the watch. You stood at the watch the last six months and now you're home," Allen said. "So you're relieved for a few days to be with your friends and family."

Sailors of Detachment 6 were excited as they reunited with friends and families.

"Days like this are awesome," said Lt. Richard Hill, HSC-25 pilot. "It's one of the best parts about being in the military, coming home and being with your friends and family. We're glad to be here."

While on its fall patrol, Essex traveled more than 13,000 miles visiting Okinawa, Japan; Subic Bay, Philippines; Bali, Indonesia; and Manila, Philippines, before returning to its homeport in Sasebo, Japan.

Essex participated in two exercises while underway. First was the certification exercise (CERTEX) 2011, in which Marine ground and aviation units practiced tactics and techniques used during an amphibious raid. Second was the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011, which is a biennial exercise between U.S. and Philippine forces. PHIBLEX is specifically designed to strengthen professional and personal bonds between the armed forces of the two allied nations. Upon completion of both exercises, Essex provided support for President Obama's visit to Bali, Indonesia, for the South East Asian Nations Summit.

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 launched the Navy's final air sortie over Iraq Dec. 18, effectively ending naval support for Operation New Dawn.

The final command and control mission for U.S. forces over Iraq was flown by an E-2C Hawkeye from the "Golden Hawks" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112.

The crew of five launched from Stennis at 7:32 a.m. and returned at 11:04 a.m.

"I think all of us went up to the flight deck focused on executing our assigned mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Reynolds, a pilot aboard the last flight. "We knew that we might be the crew to fly the last mission over Iraq. As always, we stayed focused on completing the mission we were assigned. After confirmation that we were the last, I realized I was part of something pretty special."

According to Rear Adm. Craig Faller, commander, JCS CSG, the mission came after two decades of combat missions flown in support of operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and finally, New Dawn.

"Navy air presence has been absolutely essential to Operation New Dawn, and the overall military mission in Iraq," said Faller.

Although the Navy's air support mission in Iraqi airspace has drawn to a close, Navy airpower continues supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as well as maritime security operations in the region.

Carrier strike groups will continue to maintain a forward presence in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with regional partners while deterring aggressors, ensuring freedom of the seas and regional security and stability.

"I believe that John C. Stennis and Nimitz class carriers are the world's pre-eminent arbitrators of peace and stability," said Capt. Ronald Reis, commanding officer of John C. Stennis.

Stennis departed from its homeport of Bremerton, Wash. July 25, and has been conducting maritime security operations in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, and directly supported operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

Sailors directs aircraft into position during flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

During the underway period, Enterprise tested the crew in all areas including engineering, damage control, deck, navigation and flight operations.

"We've truly put the crew to the test," said Cmdr. Ed Galvin, USS Enterprise operations officer. "Every training evolution, every launch, every trap, every general quarters drill was invaluable in preparing Enterprise for our upcoming deployment."

Pilots from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) One refreshed their skills and 92 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) pilots learned how to land and safely operate aircraft aboard an aircraft carrier through 997 arrested landings, 614 during the day and 315 during the night.

In addition to the FRS carrier qualifications, Enterprise steamed 2,650 nautical miles and moved 713 passengers and 31,000 lbs. of cargo via carrier on board delivery. Enterprise also conducted two replenishments at sea and ammunition loads, tested the close-in-weapons system, conducted 16 propulsion plant drills and conducted five general quarters drills.

Sailors new to Enterprise completed personal qualifications during these drills, ensuring all watch teams are fully proficient on their equipment and watchstations.

"I'm impressed with the crew," said Capt. Greg C. Huffman, Enterprise executive officer. "They proved themselves during this underway and are well prepared for the remainder of workups and deployment."

The Air Force has some bad news for thousands of folks who've long been thrilled at the sight of jets roaring low in formation over throngs at San Antonio air shows. Next year's performance has been grounded.

Thanks to budget cuts, the town often called Military City, U.S.A. will have air shows every other year starting in 2013. The move, revealed by Joint Base San Antonio, came as no surprise to Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

“When people say you can cut the budget and not hurt anything,” he said, “they're smoking pot.”

Joint Base San Antonio, which oversees support services at Fort Sam Houston and at Randolph and Lackland AFBs, said its $700 million annual operating budget will shrink by as much as a fifth. Next year's hiatus will yield big savings for the command, which spent $632,681 on this year's air show, held Oct. 29 and 30 at Randolph.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. The Mode-S intercepts for this day have been sorted by time and then by ICAO24 code. All dates/times are UTC.

POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- USS Asheville (SSN 758) returned to Naval Base Point Loma, Calif., Dec. 16, following a four-month deployment in support of combating transnational organized operations in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of responsibility.

The deployment supported U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command campaign strategy and the maritime strategy, which includes maritime security, forward presence, sea control, and power projection. Asheville traversed more than 20,000 nautical miles throughout the deployment.

While operating in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asheville participated in missions to counter the growing connection among narcotics groups, illicit trafficking networks, and hybrid criminal-terrorist-insurgent organizations. The submarine also conducted two port visits to Panama, furthering relations with U.S. partners in Central America.

"The linkages between drugs, drug money and the rise of transnational criminal organizations directly undermine regional security and threaten the vital economic development on which all regional partners depend," said Rear Adm. Kurt Tidd, commander, U.S. 4th Fleet. "Asheville brings the unique capabilities of a submarine to help counter these non-traditional security threats."

Cmdr. Jerry Miranda, USS Asheville commanding officer, said he is very proud of his crew and its accomplishments.

"It is certainly a privilege to be entrusted to command such a capable warship on another deployment. Asheville performed superbly in many facets of submarine operations," Cmdr. Miranda said. "In addition to the ship's operational successes, 28 Sailors were advanced in rank, and 18 more earned their submarine warfare qualification; an incredible feat for any command.

"I cannot possibly convey the gratitude I feel for the support the crew received from the family and friends of USS Asheville during this long stretch from home. The sacrifices each family member made to allow us to remain deployed and excel are greatly appreciated," Miranda said.

Asheville, the Navy's 30th Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine, was commissioned Sept. 28, 1991. Displacing more than 6,900 tons, Asheville is home to nearly 140 Sailors and is based out of Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Maj. Matthew McGuinness pops a flare to signal an HH-60G Pave Hawk where to land during Exercise Cope Angel 12 Dec. 5, 2011, in Okinawa, Japan. The 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons paired up with partners from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force during Cope Angel to train on water and land rescue and triage tactics. McGuiness is the 31st Rescue Squadron director of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman)